Tennis Zimbabwe praises Masiyazi
…top coach’s visit to US pays dividends
TENNIS Zimbabwe president Walter Jera says the local game benefits a lot from relations with coaches based abroad, as this helps them strengthen their development programmes and player attachments overseas.
Jera said this as he extended his appreciation to top coach Patrick Masiyazi on his participation at the International Professional Tennis Registry symposium (PTR) in the US last month.
Masiyazi is credited for having groomed top Zimbabwean coaches who are excelling in the US, UK and Asian countries.
Among these coaches are Genius Chidzikwe, Zibusiso and Benjamin Ncube, Collin Mhlanga, Noel Wadawu and Dean Obrian who are in Atlanta, Georgia.
The conference was held at the Saddlebrook Tennis Estate in Tampa, Florida last month.
Also in attendance were renowned international coaches such as Nick Saviano and Oivind Simand.
The symposium, according to Jera, provides a platform for top coaches around the world to acquire knowledge on the latest coaching techniques and tactical significance.
Jera told Zimpapers Sports on Wednesday of the value of Masiyazi’s visit to the US.
“Masiyazi is forging external relationships that will help assist Tennis Zimbabwe’s development programmes. He will assist with tennis balls and equipment to solidify our development thrust, and also help create pathways for scholarships for Zimbabwe’s top tennis players. I had a lengthy chat with Masiyazi and we both concurred that there was a need to push our development initiatives and make sure players benefit a lot.
“Tennis Zimbabwe is proud of having maintained cordial relationships with Zimbabwean tennis coaches who are making a mark on the world stage. We are proudly linked with them all, of which it is good for the game,” said Jera.
The Tennis Zimbabwe boss said he had a conversation with Masiyazi in which they agreed on the shared vision to use his established links, to further tennis development in the country.
Masiyazi also visited US tennis centres and universities, with a mission to familiarise and learn on the latest in the game.
He took time to pay courtesy visits to Zimbabwean players and coaches based in various cities in the US.
“From Tampa, Florida Tennis Centres, he moved to Houston Texas, where he linked up with other US based coaches, former Zimbabwean top junior players, David and Blessing Bvunzawabaya.
“Patrick then proceeded to Dallas, where he established key links with Head pro-director David Anderson of Brookhaven Tennis club. Brookhaven, like most American has top notch facilities such as 16 in-door hard courts, 16 outdoor hard courts, eight outdoor clay courts, 12 pickleball courts, eight padel courts. They run a vibrant high-performance programme for juniors, seniors for both men and women. He then went on to meet with ex-university coach Trevor Ncube. Another great connection was established at SMU Methodist University in Dallas.”
Jera said that their external connections have facilitated the smooth integration of young players in the US.
“Our two Under-14 players, Anotipa Chigudu and Emmly George are doing well in North Africa, and at CAT tournaments. Others dotted elsewhere continue to make a mark and improving their points in tournaments.”
Jera expressed gratitude for the efforts made by coaches such as Masiyazi, as well as others who are committed to contributing towards the realisation of Tennis Zimbabwe’s aspiration to have teams that are globally recognised like during the time of Byron Black and siblings Cara and Wayne and Kevin Ullyett.